Tonight was Okanogan's High School graduation ceremony. It was short, sweet and nice, of course.
It made me think about last year; it's so hard to believe that it was only a year ago that Cody graduated, and soooooooo much has happened this past year!
I didn't think that I was very close to this class, but as the pictures and invitations to parties rolled in, I realized what a special group these kiddos were, and how much I will miss them, too.
Being a teacher in some aspects is like being a parent to tons of kids, and we feel much like those parents do. We are proud of the students leaving, but will also miss them dearly.
Next week we have a family friend who will have a son graduate at Omak High School. It's such a milestone. I am glad we will share that with our friends next week.
Well, I am glad to watch our kids move on, and sad to see them go.
2008/05/31
2008/05/29
Gas got you down?
A week or so ago, I was driving and listening to one of my favorite shows on NPR, All Things Considered.
The feature story was about saving gas and myths surrounding that. Totally, you should listen to the interview. I learned a lot!
What things stood out for me? Well, I knew that if you run your air conditioning that you use more gas, and it turns out you only lose 1 mile per gallon.
What I didn't know was that if you ride with your windows open and your air conditioner off, you still lose gas mileage! So, you might as well drive with the air conditioning on!!! Hello!
If you drive 55, you save 5 miles to the gallon than driving 65 and 10 miles to the gallon than if you were driving 75, so slow down and save some gas!
I also thought it was interesting that you don't lose gas mileage if your air filter is dirty IF you have a newer car.
A few other things I know (pays to live with a mechanic), you should pay attention to your tire pressure! And, if you carry around extra weight (golf clubs, tires, etc.), you also decrease your gas mileage.
Whatever it takes...save a little gas! Oh, and the best gas-saving tip? Park the car and walk or ride your bike.
P.S. I had a long time ago heard about hypermiling, and so I did some checking on it, and there are some interesting techniques to increasing your gas mileage! If you just google hypermiling, you will find lots of info. INTERESTING.
The feature story was about saving gas and myths surrounding that. Totally, you should listen to the interview. I learned a lot!
What things stood out for me? Well, I knew that if you run your air conditioning that you use more gas, and it turns out you only lose 1 mile per gallon.
What I didn't know was that if you ride with your windows open and your air conditioner off, you still lose gas mileage! So, you might as well drive with the air conditioning on!!! Hello!
If you drive 55, you save 5 miles to the gallon than driving 65 and 10 miles to the gallon than if you were driving 75, so slow down and save some gas!
I also thought it was interesting that you don't lose gas mileage if your air filter is dirty IF you have a newer car.
A few other things I know (pays to live with a mechanic), you should pay attention to your tire pressure! And, if you carry around extra weight (golf clubs, tires, etc.), you also decrease your gas mileage.
Whatever it takes...save a little gas! Oh, and the best gas-saving tip? Park the car and walk or ride your bike.
P.S. I had a long time ago heard about hypermiling, and so I did some checking on it, and there are some interesting techniques to increasing your gas mileage! If you just google hypermiling, you will find lots of info. INTERESTING.
Perky to the death!
It has been what seems like forever since I last blogged here. Life has been busy. Trust me; it's not that I didn't have anything to say...LOL.
I have all sorts of things on a list that I have been wanting to write about, so I don't know if this will be a behemoth sort of blog or if I will end up blogging several different ones.
First off, yesterday I read THE most ridiculous article, I have ever read.
This article purports that Rachael Ray is a terrorist! Basically the concept is all about a, hold on to your shorts here, a scarf! Yeah, a fashion statement that dennotes that Rachael is linked and/or supporting terrorists.
OK, first of all, obviously FOX news and commentator Michelle Malkin have NOTHING to do, if they are really going to go after that.
I can see it now...Rachael is going to gather up her perky posse and take down the angry politicians of this world. Riiiiight.
And, double thumbs down to Dunkin' Donuts for pulling the suspect advertisement. Gimme a break! Fire the stylist while we are at it.
I don't want to boycott Dunkin' for Rachael wearing a paisley scarf, but I'd rather boycott them for being idiots.
I have all sorts of things on a list that I have been wanting to write about, so I don't know if this will be a behemoth sort of blog or if I will end up blogging several different ones.
First off, yesterday I read THE most ridiculous article, I have ever read.
This article purports that Rachael Ray is a terrorist! Basically the concept is all about a, hold on to your shorts here, a scarf! Yeah, a fashion statement that dennotes that Rachael is linked and/or supporting terrorists.
OK, first of all, obviously FOX news and commentator Michelle Malkin have NOTHING to do, if they are really going to go after that.
I can see it now...Rachael is going to gather up her perky posse and take down the angry politicians of this world. Riiiiight.
And, double thumbs down to Dunkin' Donuts for pulling the suspect advertisement. Gimme a break! Fire the stylist while we are at it.
I don't want to boycott Dunkin' for Rachael wearing a paisley scarf, but I'd rather boycott them for being idiots.
2008/05/25
Friday night at the movies
Friday we did go to the show and watched the latest Indiana Jones flick. I loved it!!
Of course, I am a huge Harrison Ford fan (and, he is a far better choice for Dr. Jones than Nick Nolte or Tom Selleck!), so that helps. I liked the storyline, and it was even surprising.
I missed that Sean Connery wasn't in this one, as he is one of my favorites, too.
I especially loved how they dealt with Harrison's age by making jokes throughout related to how old he was.
The only changes I would've made...I could've done without Marion Ravenwood (Her acting really didn't add anything to the show; she was much better in the earlier versions. I realize she has had some tough personal times, and I was glad to see that she had another chance to act.) and I would've LOVED to see them bring back one of my favorite characters Jonathon Ke Quan. I loved his character, and I think they could've found a clever way to reprise his role!
The cute thing was before the show as I was waiting to get snacks for Rick and water for me, I was talking to one of my students. He was STOKED about seeing the show.
Then we talked about how when the original came out, that he was not even alive!!! I was only ten, and I remember going to the theater to see it!!
I was also thinking while we watched the movie how the plot will lend itself to a new and updated fun ride at Disney Land!!
The showing on Friday night was PACKED with all ages. At the end of the show, the crowd applauded the performance, including me!
Of course, I am a huge Harrison Ford fan (and, he is a far better choice for Dr. Jones than Nick Nolte or Tom Selleck!), so that helps. I liked the storyline, and it was even surprising.
I missed that Sean Connery wasn't in this one, as he is one of my favorites, too.
I especially loved how they dealt with Harrison's age by making jokes throughout related to how old he was.
The only changes I would've made...I could've done without Marion Ravenwood (Her acting really didn't add anything to the show; she was much better in the earlier versions. I realize she has had some tough personal times, and I was glad to see that she had another chance to act.) and I would've LOVED to see them bring back one of my favorite characters Jonathon Ke Quan. I loved his character, and I think they could've found a clever way to reprise his role!
The cute thing was before the show as I was waiting to get snacks for Rick and water for me, I was talking to one of my students. He was STOKED about seeing the show.
Then we talked about how when the original came out, that he was not even alive!!! I was only ten, and I remember going to the theater to see it!!
I was also thinking while we watched the movie how the plot will lend itself to a new and updated fun ride at Disney Land!!
The showing on Friday night was PACKED with all ages. At the end of the show, the crowd applauded the performance, including me!
2008/05/24
Cruising down an endless road
Today was a priceless day. We had no plans, slept in, and then decided to jump on the bike in search of sunshine!
Happily we did find what we were looking for, and LOTS of it. Once we were out of the Okanogan area, cruising into Brewster we hit sunshine until on our way back where we had around five minutes of sprinkling (which on a bike, does not feel gentle, more like needles, but thankfully it was short-lived).
Chelan was packed with tons of people for the long weekend, lots of boats, swimmers, jet skiers, etc.
This is the tree that dots the main drag in Chelan. And, I took this from the bike while we were driving down the street.
Heading through the Knapps Hill Tunnel!
Our ultimate destination was to head up the Entiat, though. In particular Entiat River Road towards Silver Falls.
I need to first take you back to Rick's birthday. I bought him a horse round-up from Leavenworth to Entiat in October.
I was blown away when Rick told me he had never been in the Entiat area. Considering he is forty-six now and lives just a jump away from the Entiat Valley, I was shocked.
We headed that way, found the Icicle Outfitters Pack Station, and then kept going up until we arrived at Silver Falls.
I love hiking to Silver Falls!
I should also take you FAR back to when my boys were young. We camped up the Entiat with my dad so many times that I cannot even remember how many! We have hiked the Silver Falls a gazillion times, too.
It was fun to show Rick exact places that we had been so many years ago.
I took pictures of the Falls, but we didn't hike them because we had other places we wanted to go, and since we had a late start, time was aburning! But, depending on the weather, I think we might head up there on Monday and take our little one for a picnic.
We did stop there and eat a picnic that Rick packed. He is soooo cute in that he packed a healthy lunch for us and picked lots of my favorites.
Entiat Falls in the background!
After lunch we journeyed on to as far as we could go up the road, which was not to road's end. We did go through and look at all of the campsites (many that we had camped at long ago).
We are definitely planning a camping trip in that area for this summer!
Once we turned around, we decided to head up a road we saw to see where it went. Well, off on Mad River Road we explored.
This was incredible! It turned out to be a paved, one-lane road that we went on FOREVER. We ended up on the top of the mountain. It was silent and there was no wind, no people, just beauty all around us! All of the wildflowers, all of the splashes of color, even the burnt areas looked gorgeous in their revival.
We parked and hiked around. It was cool because there are tons of roads up there, too. I found a road where we could walk between two valleys. On one end of the road was one valley, and the other end was a different one. One side was the Entiat/Chelan side, the other the Leavenworth side.Very cool! It truly felt like we were on top of the world! And, ironically on our cruiser motorcycle.
One of the pics from on high.
And, another.
Rick called his brothers and sent them pictures of where we were because it is the general area of where they will be riding in the fall. He was like a little kid, giddy with anticipation.
OH! On the way up the hill, he ran over a rattlesnake! I, of course, was FREAKED out!!!! We stopped and he grabbed the rattles. Yuck!
We were going to go untilt he road ended but were a little bit worried that it would end far away and then since we didn't pack any extra gas, we might run out on the return ride, so finally (begrudgingly) we headed back.
Side note: We did check it out when we came home, and Google Earth allows us to follow the road entirely, and the pavement does finally end a LONG ways down. So, it's a good thing we didn't go, this time. But, now we have the exploring bug for sure, and we want to find other cool backroads that nobody knows about.
On the way back we stopped at the Icicle Outfitters to take pics to send to Rick's brothers. Well, more story about this place now.
The donkeys all practically stampeded over to where I was standing taking pictures; they are SUPER friendly.
This was one of the friendly ones!
But, the bad thing was that one of the mules was not in the pen, and started heading out towards the road! Rick rounded him back up and headed him back in to where the others were, and it did not want to go, so it kicked him! Yikes! Rick got a bit of a bump on his leg, and I laughed at first (It really was funny looking.). THANKFULLY, he and the donkey were OK.
I went over to the owner's house after our little escapade, and they were not home. I called them later though, and it's just funny how connected we all are now!
For a day with no plans, WOW! I love riding on the bike because I think about all sorts of things. I think about my novel that I am writing. I think about our plans for this summer. I write poems in my mind. Ricky and I talk about all sorts of things, too. It's a great experience, always.
Happily we did find what we were looking for, and LOTS of it. Once we were out of the Okanogan area, cruising into Brewster we hit sunshine until on our way back where we had around five minutes of sprinkling (which on a bike, does not feel gentle, more like needles, but thankfully it was short-lived).
Chelan was packed with tons of people for the long weekend, lots of boats, swimmers, jet skiers, etc.
This is the tree that dots the main drag in Chelan. And, I took this from the bike while we were driving down the street.
Heading through the Knapps Hill Tunnel!
Our ultimate destination was to head up the Entiat, though. In particular Entiat River Road towards Silver Falls.
I need to first take you back to Rick's birthday. I bought him a horse round-up from Leavenworth to Entiat in October.
I was blown away when Rick told me he had never been in the Entiat area. Considering he is forty-six now and lives just a jump away from the Entiat Valley, I was shocked.
We headed that way, found the Icicle Outfitters Pack Station, and then kept going up until we arrived at Silver Falls.
I love hiking to Silver Falls!
I should also take you FAR back to when my boys were young. We camped up the Entiat with my dad so many times that I cannot even remember how many! We have hiked the Silver Falls a gazillion times, too.
It was fun to show Rick exact places that we had been so many years ago.
I took pictures of the Falls, but we didn't hike them because we had other places we wanted to go, and since we had a late start, time was aburning! But, depending on the weather, I think we might head up there on Monday and take our little one for a picnic.
We did stop there and eat a picnic that Rick packed. He is soooo cute in that he packed a healthy lunch for us and picked lots of my favorites.
Entiat Falls in the background!
After lunch we journeyed on to as far as we could go up the road, which was not to road's end. We did go through and look at all of the campsites (many that we had camped at long ago).
We are definitely planning a camping trip in that area for this summer!
Once we turned around, we decided to head up a road we saw to see where it went. Well, off on Mad River Road we explored.
This was incredible! It turned out to be a paved, one-lane road that we went on FOREVER. We ended up on the top of the mountain. It was silent and there was no wind, no people, just beauty all around us! All of the wildflowers, all of the splashes of color, even the burnt areas looked gorgeous in their revival.
We parked and hiked around. It was cool because there are tons of roads up there, too. I found a road where we could walk between two valleys. On one end of the road was one valley, and the other end was a different one. One side was the Entiat/Chelan side, the other the Leavenworth side.Very cool! It truly felt like we were on top of the world! And, ironically on our cruiser motorcycle.
One of the pics from on high.
And, another.
Rick called his brothers and sent them pictures of where we were because it is the general area of where they will be riding in the fall. He was like a little kid, giddy with anticipation.
OH! On the way up the hill, he ran over a rattlesnake! I, of course, was FREAKED out!!!! We stopped and he grabbed the rattles. Yuck!
We were going to go untilt he road ended but were a little bit worried that it would end far away and then since we didn't pack any extra gas, we might run out on the return ride, so finally (begrudgingly) we headed back.
Side note: We did check it out when we came home, and Google Earth allows us to follow the road entirely, and the pavement does finally end a LONG ways down. So, it's a good thing we didn't go, this time. But, now we have the exploring bug for sure, and we want to find other cool backroads that nobody knows about.
On the way back we stopped at the Icicle Outfitters to take pics to send to Rick's brothers. Well, more story about this place now.
The donkeys all practically stampeded over to where I was standing taking pictures; they are SUPER friendly.
This was one of the friendly ones!
But, the bad thing was that one of the mules was not in the pen, and started heading out towards the road! Rick rounded him back up and headed him back in to where the others were, and it did not want to go, so it kicked him! Yikes! Rick got a bit of a bump on his leg, and I laughed at first (It really was funny looking.). THANKFULLY, he and the donkey were OK.
I went over to the owner's house after our little escapade, and they were not home. I called them later though, and it's just funny how connected we all are now!
For a day with no plans, WOW! I love riding on the bike because I think about all sorts of things. I think about my novel that I am writing. I think about our plans for this summer. I write poems in my mind. Ricky and I talk about all sorts of things, too. It's a great experience, always.
2008/05/23
Baby Birds!
We have baby birds in the eave of our house. We had them last fall, too.
They are absolutely adorable, and we are all mesmerized watching the whole process (kind of like a reality show).
It's start with the adult birds making a nest (or I guess it would be more like a remodel).
Then it's fun to watch the adult birds go out and bring food back to little open mouths.
Now, the baby birds are just learning to fly, and it's so cute because they come out and go right on the edge of the roof. They seem wobbly, and one almost walk off the roof yesterday.
My little one and Jordie were giving me play-by-play while I washing dishes yesterday afternoon.
I have a friend who is a big time bird person, and I might add that to things I would like to do this summer...learn more about birds, especially our local ones!
For now I will enjoy our little bird family.
They are absolutely adorable, and we are all mesmerized watching the whole process (kind of like a reality show).
It's start with the adult birds making a nest (or I guess it would be more like a remodel).
Then it's fun to watch the adult birds go out and bring food back to little open mouths.
Now, the baby birds are just learning to fly, and it's so cute because they come out and go right on the edge of the roof. They seem wobbly, and one almost walk off the roof yesterday.
My little one and Jordie were giving me play-by-play while I washing dishes yesterday afternoon.
I have a friend who is a big time bird person, and I might add that to things I would like to do this summer...learn more about birds, especially our local ones!
For now I will enjoy our little bird family.
2008/05/22
The RIGHT David!
Totally, I think America chose the right American Idol this year!! I was worried that they were going to go with the younger David (who should be singing for Disney), but I was pleasantly surprised that they chose David Cook. He is a rocker, and I love his style. I look forward to seeing what comes for him!
It has been fun to watch the season with Jordan and Rick. We hang out and watch it every week. It's hard to believe that Rick and I have watched it almost since it started (we missed the first two seasons together).
Fun tradition.
It has been fun to watch the season with Jordan and Rick. We hang out and watch it every week. It's hard to believe that Rick and I have watched it almost since it started (we missed the first two seasons together).
Fun tradition.
2008/05/18
Baby boy, on the way!
Today we went to Rick's oldest daughter's baby shower. She is due within two weeks, but we all think the little man will come earlier...hopefully some time this week!
I just love baby showers. Grandma Kim hosted it with Denise (a fellow colleague of mine). I just love Kim's house and yard, and it was a perfect setting for a beautiful time.
I took Grandma Pat and our little one (who is soon-to-be an aunt for the third time, and she is only 6!). It was a nice girls' day out.
Sarah had a blast running around with Sadie, Olivia and Jasmine. Especially fun was Sarah discovering all the nooks and crannies of Kim's place since that is where she will be spending time this summer. I am so glad it's just a hop and a skip from my place!
The food was yummy (especially the fruit kabobs), and the ice tea was perfect, and the weather mellowed out. IDEAL.
It was fun to spend some out of school time with Julie and Sandi, who are also teachers at Sarah's Montessori school. Those two are such a hoot, especially when together!
What I really love about this gathering is that there is no issue with all of the mixed families being together.
I sat next to Rick's ex-wife, Jill. We had such great conversations about all sorts of things, and we always find that we have more in common than we expect. I like her and her mom, Gloria a lot. It is such fresh air to have a civil and kindly relationship with one of Rick's exes.
Again, it's all about the kids and being good to each other for that, if for nothing else. But, luckily with Jill, it's never strained. We are thankfully in a different place.
It also makes me appreciate my ex's girlfriend, as she and I are in a good place, too.
What I am REALLY excited about is the coming of the grandson; we are all thrilled and looking forward to meet the little guy! Soon! Stay tuned!!
I just love baby showers. Grandma Kim hosted it with Denise (a fellow colleague of mine). I just love Kim's house and yard, and it was a perfect setting for a beautiful time.
I took Grandma Pat and our little one (who is soon-to-be an aunt for the third time, and she is only 6!). It was a nice girls' day out.
Sarah had a blast running around with Sadie, Olivia and Jasmine. Especially fun was Sarah discovering all the nooks and crannies of Kim's place since that is where she will be spending time this summer. I am so glad it's just a hop and a skip from my place!
The food was yummy (especially the fruit kabobs), and the ice tea was perfect, and the weather mellowed out. IDEAL.
It was fun to spend some out of school time with Julie and Sandi, who are also teachers at Sarah's Montessori school. Those two are such a hoot, especially when together!
What I really love about this gathering is that there is no issue with all of the mixed families being together.
I sat next to Rick's ex-wife, Jill. We had such great conversations about all sorts of things, and we always find that we have more in common than we expect. I like her and her mom, Gloria a lot. It is such fresh air to have a civil and kindly relationship with one of Rick's exes.
Again, it's all about the kids and being good to each other for that, if for nothing else. But, luckily with Jill, it's never strained. We are thankfully in a different place.
It also makes me appreciate my ex's girlfriend, as she and I are in a good place, too.
What I am REALLY excited about is the coming of the grandson; we are all thrilled and looking forward to meet the little guy! Soon! Stay tuned!!
2008/05/16
Sizzling!
I am definitely a summer baby...guessing that's why I was born in June! LOL
I live for the hot weather. I just love it! I am so excited that it is finally coming.
It makes me start to think about summer plans! Woo hoo! I plan on swimming this summer, and we are going to do private lessons for our own little water squirt! She just loves Yajaira, who will be her instructor!
Then, a LIFELONG dream of mine is finally coming true! Our little one and I are going to take weekly horse lessons together! I am stoked! I can't wait for us to learn so much about horses (not just riding, but also how to properly take care of them).
Rick and I are planning some camping and hiking trips for us all, and I already have some day hikes mapped out for a group of moms and kids!
And, of course, our vacation and all sorts of stuff is coming! We plan on spending time with Rick's brother and his family in Moses Lake (Aquatic Center, here we come!), and also Rick's daughter and our grandbabies!
I can't believe we only have 14 days of school left! I am soooo ready for summer fun!
I live for the hot weather. I just love it! I am so excited that it is finally coming.
It makes me start to think about summer plans! Woo hoo! I plan on swimming this summer, and we are going to do private lessons for our own little water squirt! She just loves Yajaira, who will be her instructor!
Then, a LIFELONG dream of mine is finally coming true! Our little one and I are going to take weekly horse lessons together! I am stoked! I can't wait for us to learn so much about horses (not just riding, but also how to properly take care of them).
Rick and I are planning some camping and hiking trips for us all, and I already have some day hikes mapped out for a group of moms and kids!
And, of course, our vacation and all sorts of stuff is coming! We plan on spending time with Rick's brother and his family in Moses Lake (Aquatic Center, here we come!), and also Rick's daughter and our grandbabies!
I can't believe we only have 14 days of school left! I am soooo ready for summer fun!
2008/05/13
FaMiLy
Tonight we had a house full of girls! We had Rick's oldest daughter (who is carrying a baby boy) and her two daughters, and my mother-in-law all over for Rick and our little one's birthdays!
Our boys are all gone, but Cody and Michael did call Rick today, and Jordie is up at camp, so he will have to terorize the old fart Rick when he comes home!
The three little girls are sooooooo adorable! I am excited that they will get to spend more time together than normal this summer since during our little one's week where she is at her bio mom's she will be watched by our grandkids other grandma! I know sounds complicated, but we LOVE Kim, and we are stoked that our little one will be in such a good place when she is not with us.
And, our other favorite new girl in the family is Buttermilk. It was a nice introduction to all the little girls tonight!
Our boys are all gone, but Cody and Michael did call Rick today, and Jordie is up at camp, so he will have to terorize the old fart Rick when he comes home!
The three little girls are sooooooo adorable! I am excited that they will get to spend more time together than normal this summer since during our little one's week where she is at her bio mom's she will be watched by our grandkids other grandma! I know sounds complicated, but we LOVE Kim, and we are stoked that our little one will be in such a good place when she is not with us.
And, our other favorite new girl in the family is Buttermilk. It was a nice introduction to all the little girls tonight!
2008/05/12
Sweet, sweet baby girl!
HAPPY 6th birthday to our sweet baby girl! I can hardly believe that she is six today!!
She came into my life when she had just turned one year and half. How time goes by too fast.
It's so hard to believe that ten years from now she will be driving! LOL
She has brought so much joy to our lives. Her smile sends the sun to shame. Her laugh grabs you by the heart. Her genuine love melts you into a puddle. She is most definitely our sweet, sweet baby girl!
2008/05/11
Mama, that's me!
Mama's Day. I find it to be a bit of an oxymoron this year, good grief :)
It's sad to be away from my oldest and youngest on this day, as my kiddos are my world.
Cody did call me this morning to tell me how much he loved me and that just made me happy and sad because all I really want is a big old hug from him!
My little one, now that's complicated. We have joint custody, but when Mother's Day happens to land on her bio mom's week, well, I don't get to see or talk to her at all on Mother's Day.
In the world of Mother's Day, step-moms don't count, at least not if you ask bio-moms. Thankfully that's not the case when you ask the kids!!
My little girl is soooo stinking cute! She made me a Mother's Day present and invited me to her Mother's Tea at her preschool. I wasn't able to attend because I was in Seattle on a field trip with kids, but I was just so touched that she was so emphatic about inviting me.
Her teachers told me that she was just so matter-of-fact about having two moms and needing to make two presents and have two invitations. That touches my heart.
In the end, I had mixed feelings about missing the Mother's Tea, but I know it was probably for the best because even though she wanted both her moms there, her bio mom wouldn't have been real happy about my attendance, and I know my step-daughter would've felt that negative energy. So, it worked out for the best. And, it matches the old adage that it's the thought that counts!
I appreciate that Rick has gone out of his way to make this day special. He was so cute when he told me how much he loved me for being such a good mom.
So between Rick and Jordie this has been a relaxing and good day in which I feel appreciated!!
Overall: Quite a bit of good and a tad of grief, Mother's Day 2008.
It's sad to be away from my oldest and youngest on this day, as my kiddos are my world.
Cody did call me this morning to tell me how much he loved me and that just made me happy and sad because all I really want is a big old hug from him!
My little one, now that's complicated. We have joint custody, but when Mother's Day happens to land on her bio mom's week, well, I don't get to see or talk to her at all on Mother's Day.
In the world of Mother's Day, step-moms don't count, at least not if you ask bio-moms. Thankfully that's not the case when you ask the kids!!
My little girl is soooo stinking cute! She made me a Mother's Day present and invited me to her Mother's Tea at her preschool. I wasn't able to attend because I was in Seattle on a field trip with kids, but I was just so touched that she was so emphatic about inviting me.
Her teachers told me that she was just so matter-of-fact about having two moms and needing to make two presents and have two invitations. That touches my heart.
In the end, I had mixed feelings about missing the Mother's Tea, but I know it was probably for the best because even though she wanted both her moms there, her bio mom wouldn't have been real happy about my attendance, and I know my step-daughter would've felt that negative energy. So, it worked out for the best. And, it matches the old adage that it's the thought that counts!
I appreciate that Rick has gone out of his way to make this day special. He was so cute when he told me how much he loved me for being such a good mom.
So between Rick and Jordie this has been a relaxing and good day in which I feel appreciated!!
Overall: Quite a bit of good and a tad of grief, Mother's Day 2008.
Welcome, Buttermilk, to our family!
We just bought a mule!! She is white, thus the name, Buttermilk. She is HUGE, but a big old lover!
She is very sweet-tempered and affectionate. I was so excited when Rick found her because I want to learn to ride more than anything. It's definitely on my list of things to accomplish this summer.
She is gentle and sturdy, sure-footed and mellow, so I hope that she is a good match for a novice like me.
Our real goal is to ride horses and pack in to camp out in the middle of nowhere with our kids.
I am excited to progress with Miss Buttermilk this summer, and so far she has been fun getting to know!
I will keep you updated on our progress.
She is very sweet-tempered and affectionate. I was so excited when Rick found her because I want to learn to ride more than anything. It's definitely on my list of things to accomplish this summer.
She is gentle and sturdy, sure-footed and mellow, so I hope that she is a good match for a novice like me.
Our real goal is to ride horses and pack in to camp out in the middle of nowhere with our kids.
I am excited to progress with Miss Buttermilk this summer, and so far she has been fun getting to know!
I will keep you updated on our progress.
2008/05/06
My baby is not so much a baby anymore :(
Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear, CODY. Happy birthday to you!!!!!!!!
Could it truly be? Can my BABY be 19 years old today? SIGH. I don't feel like I am old enough to have a young man that age.
Boy, we have come a LONG way since he was born back in 1989 just five weeks before my graduation from high school.
This is the first year that I have not been able to be with him on his birthday. I was telling him on the phone how that made me sad, and he just laughed and reminded me that he is growing up, and that's what kids do!
It doesn't make it any easier!!! My kids are such precious gifts in my life. I have been so lucky to have such incredible human beings with whom to share this life.
So, we sent cards out last week, so hopefully he will receive those in time for his b-day. Of course, we enclosed gift cards to some of his favorite places to eat!
The really cute thing is that my little one picked out a card, and she was writing Cody's name, and then I reminded her to write her name. She finished and handed the card to me, and I opened it up, and before her name she wrote LOVE. I told that was cool, and she informed me, "Well, you know I know how to spell love, and I love my brother so that's why I wrote it in his card."
Just so matter-of-fact. I love little ones.
I was going to send a big package, but he still hasn't receive the BIG one I sent right before Valentine's Day. Gotta love the military mail. Although now he has more of a permanent address, so it seems like mail is ending up where and when it is supposed to be!
I have some special things that I will send in a couple of weeks, and what will be cool about that is that he will think his birthday is all finished! Tee hee!
Also, I deposited birthday money into his account, so he could have fast access to it without having to rely on the snail mail.
Then yesterday I found a special florist who focuses their business on the Marines at Camp Pendleton. I will use her service often, I imagine! So, I sent him a little something special.
He was a little worried that he would receive some extra PT for that, but he said he is willing to take his chances.
I have included a pic of my baby, not looking so much like a baby! It's a bit fuzzy because it's a cell phone pic. Enjoy!
2008/05/05
BRAVO!
Many of you know that I am a bit of a reality tv junkie. And, I have recently figured out that for my entire life I have liked documentaries, so it makes some logical sense of the connection between the two.
Anyhoot, currently my favorite tv channel would be Bravo! I love many of the shows on there.
My absolute favorite is Top Chef. I think I like it so much because I love to cook, and I have a passion for learning new things about cooking. I would LOVE to take a cooking class regarding some of the chef techniques I see on the show. I am self-taught in the cooking department, and it would be fun to shadow an expert.
I also like that they move locations, and I am digging this season's Chicago homebase. I would love to go to Chicago someday!
I like Project Runway, as I am also interested in fashion, and I enjoy watching the process (probably another reason why I dig Top Chef).
I also like the Real Housewives of Orange County and NYC. The deal with both of those shows is it feels like a glance at what life is like for people who have TONS of money.
Work Out provides some drama. I do catch it occasionally, but not a big fan necessarily. Same goes with Step It Up and Dance; I think I have watched that twice. I also didn't watch too many episodes of the Make Me a Supermodel show either.
I did like Millionaire Matchmaker, same reason as the Housewives, I suppose.
I like other shows that they have, too, like Inside the Actors Studio and Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List.
I even like their little logo, and how they made it green on Earth Day!
I am actually considering watching the Bravo A-List Awards in June. Go Bravo!
Anyhoot, currently my favorite tv channel would be Bravo! I love many of the shows on there.
My absolute favorite is Top Chef. I think I like it so much because I love to cook, and I have a passion for learning new things about cooking. I would LOVE to take a cooking class regarding some of the chef techniques I see on the show. I am self-taught in the cooking department, and it would be fun to shadow an expert.
I also like that they move locations, and I am digging this season's Chicago homebase. I would love to go to Chicago someday!
I like Project Runway, as I am also interested in fashion, and I enjoy watching the process (probably another reason why I dig Top Chef).
I also like the Real Housewives of Orange County and NYC. The deal with both of those shows is it feels like a glance at what life is like for people who have TONS of money.
Work Out provides some drama. I do catch it occasionally, but not a big fan necessarily. Same goes with Step It Up and Dance; I think I have watched that twice. I also didn't watch too many episodes of the Make Me a Supermodel show either.
I did like Millionaire Matchmaker, same reason as the Housewives, I suppose.
I like other shows that they have, too, like Inside the Actors Studio and Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List.
I even like their little logo, and how they made it green on Earth Day!
I am actually considering watching the Bravo A-List Awards in June. Go Bravo!
2008/05/04
Survived!
Busy weekend, indeed. We had a bowling birthday party on Saturday, and then I rushed down to Ephrata to watch Jordie's second baseball game of the day.
They won both on Saturday, and now they play on Tuesday. I love watching Jordie play, and I can hardly believe that he is only a sophomore.
Then today we were busy enjoying the outside! Yeah baby, bring on the warm weather.
I also caught up on laundry and our grocery shopping. I am so ready for this week (yet, another busy one).
WOW! We are only a month away from summer break! I can't wait!!!
They won both on Saturday, and now they play on Tuesday. I love watching Jordie play, and I can hardly believe that he is only a sophomore.
Then today we were busy enjoying the outside! Yeah baby, bring on the warm weather.
I also caught up on laundry and our grocery shopping. I am so ready for this week (yet, another busy one).
WOW! We are only a month away from summer break! I can't wait!!!
I love birthdays!
This weekend we had our little one's friend birthday party. We did the whole bowling thing!
It was a blast! We had nine little bowlers (and, some older siblings and parents). Fun times!
I used my friend's idea to make sure I had something for the little ones to do while they waited for their turn to bowl.
Thank goodness for the $1 store! I bought coloring books, and the kids thought they were pretty cool to have their own books. What an easy party favor and something definitely to keep them occupied.
We also brought out an idea that I did with both of my boys when they were little. I bought them all shirts (again, thanks for the $1 store), and they each decorated them!
I took adorable pics fo all of them together in their creations.
All in all, it was a fun time. I enjoyed seeing my big step-daughter, who is due with our first grandson in just weeks.
We still have lots of birthday business ahead of us! First off, Cody turns 19 on Tuesday, and I am bummed because it will be the first time that I will not see him on his birthday. I guess I need to get used to that; it's called our kids growing up. SIGH.
And, of course, our little one's real birthday is next week, and the day after her birthday is Rick's! Woo hoo!
I think birthdays are a big deal. I love to make people feel very special to be alive! It really is a celebration!!!
It was a blast! We had nine little bowlers (and, some older siblings and parents). Fun times!
I used my friend's idea to make sure I had something for the little ones to do while they waited for their turn to bowl.
Thank goodness for the $1 store! I bought coloring books, and the kids thought they were pretty cool to have their own books. What an easy party favor and something definitely to keep them occupied.
We also brought out an idea that I did with both of my boys when they were little. I bought them all shirts (again, thanks for the $1 store), and they each decorated them!
I took adorable pics fo all of them together in their creations.
All in all, it was a fun time. I enjoyed seeing my big step-daughter, who is due with our first grandson in just weeks.
We still have lots of birthday business ahead of us! First off, Cody turns 19 on Tuesday, and I am bummed because it will be the first time that I will not see him on his birthday. I guess I need to get used to that; it's called our kids growing up. SIGH.
And, of course, our little one's real birthday is next week, and the day after her birthday is Rick's! Woo hoo!
I think birthdays are a big deal. I love to make people feel very special to be alive! It really is a celebration!!!
